More than 20% of U.S. adults suffer from chronic pain issues, and many of them are not getting the relief they need with Western pain management treatments. This is likely the driving force behind the increasing demand for integrative medicine — a form of medicine that combines Western and Eastern practices.
Acupuncture has long been recognized as a holistic and noninvasive approach to managing many conditions and ailments. Its extensive history also shows evidence as a valuable option for those seeking alternative pain relief methods. Nowadays, acupuncture offers a unique complementary treatment for pain management. It addresses both the physical and energetic aspects of discomfort by targeting specific points in the body and stimulating the release of endorphins that activate the body's natural healing and pain-relieving mechanisms.
Read on to learn more about how acupuncture can help relieve pain and where to find the best acupuncturist in Culver City.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. It is based on the concept of balancing the body's vital energy, known as Qi, to restore health and alleviate various conditions — including pain management, stress reduction, and overall wellness. In modern practice, acupuncture points, also known as trigger points, are used as places to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue.
Acupuncture has been used in Chinese medicine for over 2000 years, and modern-day studies continue to show that it is an effective treatment for pain relief, either alone or in combination with conventional therapies.
How Can Acupuncture Relieve Pain?
Acupuncture can manage pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals. Thin needles inserted at specific points on the body are thought to trigger the release of these endorphins, which can help reduce pain and promote a sense of well-being.
Additionally, acupuncture can help improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation, further relieving pain. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, acupuncture is believed to balance the flow of energy, or Qi, in the body, which can also play a role in alleviating pain.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner, known as an acupuncturist. These practitioners are highly skilled in the functions of the human body, trigger points, sterile techniques, and how to treat specific conditions with acupuncture.
Adverse effects are infrequent but may include minor bruising, soreness, or bleeding at the needle insertion sites.
What Types of Pain Can Acupuncture Help?
A question we regularly hear is, “What types of pain can acupuncture work for?” Acupuncture has proven helpful in providing fast pain relief and managing pain in various areas of the body, including:
- Chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, and joint pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Menstrual cramps and pelvic pain
- Postoperative pain
- Dental pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis discomfort
- Fibromyalgia
- Sports injuries
Not only can acupuncture help alleviate pain, but it can also help you relax and achieve a greater sense of well-being, which can positively affect how much pain you perceive.
What Other Conditions Can Acupuncture in Playa Vista Help?
In addition to its benefits in pain management, this traditional Chinese medical practice can also provide relief for the following conditions:
- Arthritis
- Myofascial pain syndrome due to muscle overuse or muscle contractions
- Sciatica due to irritated nerves in the lower back
- Cancer pain caused by chemotherapy or radiation treatments
- Pelvic pain due to nerve issues, pregnancy, or giving birth
- Fibromyalgia and other conditions involving nerve cells
- Seasonal allergies caused by environmental factors
- Infertility issues
- Asthma, allergies, and disorders of the immune system
- Menopausal hot flashes
- Depression and other mental health conditions
- Help with smoking cessation
- Urinary incontinence due to nerve damage or pelvic floor damage
- Carpal tunnel syndrome from overuse of the hands
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years. Now, it is often used as a complementary treatment option alongside Western health care, such as physical therapy or the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen.
Where to Find the Best Acupuncturist in Playa Vista
Acupuncture is on the rise, especially as a complementary treatment for pain management and other Western medicine therapies. For the best results, choose an acupuncturist who is highly knowledgeable in pain management.
As a Board-licensed and nationally certified acupuncturist with a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jennifer Ryan, LAc is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to those in the Silicon Beach area.
With her deep commitment to building trust with her patients and her vast amount of experience, Jennifer is known for helping patients who have not found relief with Western medical treatment or want to avoid the side effects of pain medication.
Ready to get pain relief and improved overall health with acupuncture treatments in Playa Vista?
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